The snowpack in the mountains that feeds the Colorado River is critical to tens of millions of people living in the west, and not just Colorado, for California gets much of its water from that river.
Even here in Washington state we have had several atmospheric rivers come in off the Pacific Ocean. Those storms, if the temperatures were lower, would have produced prodigious amounts of snow in the mountains. However, we had temperatures at sea level in the 60s and much of the precipitation fell as rain in the mountains.
Yes, it is still early in the winter season. Right now ski resorts are trying to make snow to allow some skiing over the coming holidays. For now, it isn’t looking good for summer water being stored on our lofty peaks here in the west.
About 10 years ago I eliminated almost all my grass lawn areas and planted shrubs and perennial flowers in my backyard. That was my individual response to the situation we are expected to see in the coming years. If you have an interest, here is a drone video of my garden from a few years back.
